While everyone will be watching Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar at the World Cup in Russia. What about the ones that are not as popular? Listed below are five players that could burst onto the scene during this summer’s World Cup.
Ayoub El Kaabi – Morocco
El Kaabi led Morocco to their first African Nations Championship earlier in the year as the tournament’s leading goalscorer and top player. Following the successful display, the forward was reportedly gaining interest from Atletico Madrid. Although a move has yet to materialize, another solid tournament could mean a move away for Morocco for the striker.
Lucas Torreira – Uruguay
Playing in Serie A for Sampdoria, Torreira compiled an impressive stat sheet during the 2017/18 campaign. He ranked inside the top five amongst Serie A CM/DMs in tackles, interceptions, accurate short passes, and accurate long key passes.
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Forwards Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez headline a potent Uruguay team, but Torreira could be the standout in midfield for the South American team.
Aleksandr Golovin – Russia
His five goals and three assists during league play with CSKA Moscow appear to be quite lackluster. His passing and dribbling attributes, however, are what make him special. A group match against Uruguay on June 25th could see Golovin go head-to-head in an enticing battle with the aforementioned Torreira.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh – Iran
The 24-year-old wide player provides pace, vision, and an obvious knack for scoring with both Iran and the Dutch club. Iran are an interesting club heading into the World Cup. Along with the talented Jahanbakhsh, they’re also undefeated in 18 World Cup qualifiers.
If Jahanbakhsh keeps up this prolific pace of goals, he could be plying his trade at a big club soon.
Ismaïla Sarr – Senegal
Moving from Metz to fellow French club Rennes last summer, Sarr was fairly impressive in his first season with the Red and Blacks. There are no issues of self-assurance with the youngster, as he displayed plenty of confidence out wide in attack with Rennes.
Senegal are also an interesting team to look for during the World Cup. Headlined by Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, they are not short off attacking talent. Mane, along with Sarr, can provide teams plenty of defensive headaches out wide and in front of goal.
